Bristol Rovers target reveals offers from other clubs after deciding on Barnsley move

Bristol Rovers transfer target James Norwood has revealed one club asked him to turn his car around before he completed his Barnsley medical.

Norwood was on the lookout for a new club after being released by Ipswich Town following three seasons in Suffolk and was not short of offers.

The 31-year-old reportedly held talks with the Gas as well as Oxford United in the earlier parts of pre-season before deciding on joining the Tykes.

It has now come to light that there were a few options on the table before deciding on a move to Barnsley, who are hoping to bounce back from their relegation from the Championship.

He said to the Barnsley Chronicle: “I was meeting a different club on the Monday then Barnsley made an offer on Tuesday and I did a medical on Thursday.

“I have had a few situations like that this summer.

“I had someone ring me and try to turn my car around on the way to Barnsley to do the medical. “But I said I had a duty to have a look at Barnsley.”

Norwood is a known friend of Rovers boss Joey Barton and his first-team coach Andy Mangan.

During his time at Fleetwood Town, Barton made a move for the striker but was blown out of the water by the Tractor Boys.

And the same may have happened again with Barnsley, who will be backed by Championship riches, were able to persuade him to join.

Their manager Michael Duff had made interest known to Norwood but it wasn’t until ten days ago that a move took place.

He said: “I had spoken to the gaffer (Michael Duff) a couple of weeks before and he had outlined his intentions to sign me but, until a contract is in front of you, don’t really know what will happen.

“I have had a few situations like that this summer. “I had someone ring me and try to turn my car around on the way to Barnsley to do the medical. “But I said I had a duty to have a look at Barnsley.

“The minute I met the gaffer and physio, I got a good feeling about the place and that made my decision.”

Earlier in the transfer window, Rovers signed John Marquis, who was a free agent after leaving Lincoln City.

Marquis, a year younger than Norwood, has more League One goals than him, scoring 77 in 237 appearances.

It remains to be seen whether the decision to sign the former Portsmouth man meant that a move for Norwood was out of the question.

He has so far led the line for the club this season with last season’s top scorer Aaron Collins being pushed out wide whilst Harvey Saunders and Ryan Loft have had to settle for a place on the bench.